MythBuster MONDAY: "Does chocolate milk come from brown cows?"

Myth:  Chocolate milk comes from brown cows.

Fact: False. 


I WISH!  hahaha.  I love chocolate milk!  If chocolate milk came from brown cows I would have a brown cow right in my backyard!

Hahah this is me! :)

Chocolate milk is made when cocoa beans, grounded up and mixed with plenty of sugar and other additives, is mixed with normal whole white cow's milk.  Did I mention chocolate milk... yummmm...
Brown cows give the same kind of milk as your average black-and-white Holsteins. All cows of most any colour give the same kind and colour of milk. The only differences may be quality and quantity depending on the breeds that are being milked.  Check out my post last week to learn about the slight differences between each breeds' milk: Katie's Cow Tails - Six Different Breeds of Dairy Cows

There has been a lot of discussion about chocolate milk being removed from schools.  I will always remember the school "breaks" and having an ice cold chocolate milk.  My favorite was the cartons towards the back of the fridge that were half frozen! :)  Oh the memories....

Here are some fun facts about chocolate milk: 

• Today, the majority of milk in schools is low-fat or fat-free, and the majority of flavored milk is at or below 150 calories.
• The newer formulas have 2 to 3 teaspoons of added sugar compared to 3 to 4 teaspoons of added sugar in traditional formulas.
• Low-fat chocolate milk strikes the perfect balance between good nutrition and good fun!
• Milk – whether it’s white, chocolate or even strawberry -- is power-packed with nine essential nutrients that are important for kids’ health.
• Flavored milk contains the same 9 essential nutrients found in white milk.  This nutrient package is difficult to find in other foods that are as affordable or appealing.
• Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D, B12, riboflavin and niacin (niacin equivalents)
•  Studies show that children who drink flavored milk…drink more milk overall, have better quality diets, do not have higher intakes of added sugar or fat, and are just as likely to be at a healthy weight compared to kids who do not consume flavored milk.

For more information, visit Why Milk? to get the facts about flavored milk.  You can read the science behind flavored milk and its mportant role in helping children get the nutrients they need during crucial growing years.